Liquor licence polls

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) will not grant specific liquor licences unless expressly approved by the residents of the adjacent neighbourhoods. Residents vote in a liquor licence poll conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC). This restriction applies to the following licence types:

general licence (hotel or bar)

on-premises licence

club licence.

This approval process also applies to relocation of any existing licences to the dry area.

Criteria and exemptions

BYO permits are exempt from the dry area polls.

Restaurant and cafe licence applications - no poll required.

An application for a general, on-premises or club licence in the 'dry area' must satisfy the standard licensing criteria of the Act.

Licence applications will be the subject of a dry area poll conducted by the VEC. A majority of residents must vote in favour of the application before it may be granted by the VCGLR.

The VCGLR and the VEC consult to determine the neighbourhood that will be polled for a particular licence application.

Any dry area poll will be conducted only after the applicant has obtained planning permission from the relevant council (City of Boroondara or City of Whitehorse). The objections process continues to apply and objections may be submitted to the VCGLR. See the Objections page for further details.

A poll can be conducted by way of attendance or postal voting. This is determined by the VEC. The conduct of the poll is specified in the Liquor Control Reform Regulations 2009.

Boroondara or Whitehorse councils may conduct a 'dry area' wide poll. The result of such a poll automatically amends the relevant provisions of the Act to give effect to the majority vote.

Frequently asked questions about dry areas

Who notifies the liquor licensing applicant that their application is in a dry area?

The VCGLR notifies the applicant that their application is in a dry area. Once all the required documentation for the application has been received, the VCGLR notifies the VEC.

How does the VCGLR determine the neighbourhood boundaries for each poll?

Boundaries for the liquor licensing polls are determined in conjunction with the VEC. For details about relevant properties and electors that are compiled for the rolls, contact the VEC directly.

Who is in charge of conducting the poll?

The VCGLR orders a vote to be taken and the VEC makes all arrangements for the taking of the vote.

What is the majority required for a poll?

A majority is achieved by halving the number of formal votes plus one.

If a majority of the electors voting formally vote against the resolution, the VCGLR must not grant the licence application, or any other licence application in that neighbourhood, within three years after the poll was conducted.

How are liquor licensing polls conducted?

Liquor licensing polls are generally run using a postal method of voting, however, the VEC can decide that a poll be run using an attendance method of voting. Voting is compulsory.